Minnesota's Rolling, Favored To Beat Penn State
How's this for a paradigm shift in Big Ten football? Minnesota has won straight three conference games and is favored, ever so slightly, to beat Penn State.
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How's this for a paradigm shift in Big Ten football? Minnesota has won straight three conference games and is favored, ever so slightly, to beat Penn State.
Minnesota coach Richard Pitino is on the verge of his first game with the Gophers. They host Lehigh on Friday night in the season opener. Pitino said before the team's practice on Thursday afternoon that he's nervous before every game, so this will be no different.
There are smiles on the faces of Gopher football players – that's what happens when you win. The U of M is on a three-game Big Ten win streak, something the program hasn't done for years.
Given their bloodlines and new jobs, Minnesota's Richard Pitino and Northwestern's Chris Collins have quite a bit in common. Both are in their 30s. They're the sons of well-known coaches, and they already seem to have a bond heading into their first season in the Big Ten.
Minnesota coach Jerry Kill is working his way back into the job after taking a leave of absence to better manage his epilepsy. He's not ready to return to the sideline. But he said confidently that he'll soon be seizure-free.
Nebraska's home game against Minnesota this weekend will be televised on ESPN. The Big Ten Conference announced which channel would air the game on Sunday.
The Gopher football team takes on Northwestern on Saturday searching for Minnesota's first Big Ten win. It will most likely be defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys' first time as acting head coach in Jerry Kill's absence, as the head coach is in the midst of an indefinite leave to manage his epilepsy.
All-session ticket packages go on sale Monday for the inaugural Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. The tournament will be held March 20-22, 2014, at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
Jake Rudock threw for one touchdown and ran for another and Iowa beat Minnesota on both sides of the ball in a 23-7 victory on Saturday. Mark Weisman rushed for 147 yards on 24 carries, and Mike Meyer made three of his four field goal attempts to help the Hawkeyes (4-1, 1-0) start the Big Ten with a bang. After losing their opener to Northern Illinois, they've outscored their last two opponents 82-10. Senior linebackers Christian Kirksey, James Morris and Anthony Hitchens led a stifling effort on defense, including interceptions by Kirksey and Morris of Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson. Nelson hadn't played in two weeks because of an injury, but he started ahead of Mitch Leidner for the Gophers (4-1, 0-1).
When Philip Nelson's right hamstring strain forced him out of the game, Minnesota turned to redshirt freshman Mitch Leidner at quarterback. Leidner started for the Gophers last week, too, rushed for 151 yards and four touchdowns and tops the depth chart going into the Big Ten opener Saturday against Iowa. Nelson, the sophomore who took over at midseason last year, has no guarantees of getting the job back.
Quarterback Mitch Leidner rushed for 151 yards and four touchdowns to lift Minnesota to a 43-24 victory over San Jose State on Saturday. Leidner was filling in for injured starter Philip Nelson, who was out with a bad hamstring. He also passed for 71 yards as the Golden Gophers improved to 4-0. Gophers coach Jerry Kill returned to the sideline a week after missing the second half because of an epileptic seizure and made it through the game without incident.
Big Ten football coaches say there aren't very many places where they can unload frustrations about fans, reporters or anyone else without paying a price. On Tuesday's weekly call with reporters, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said that about the only person a coach can vent to in confidence is his wife. And he joked that that isn't a sure thing.
If all goes according to plan, the possibility of an FCS wins over one of the big boys of college football won't exist much longer in the Big Ten. The College Football Playoff is coming next season, and strength of schedule is part of the criteria the selection committee will use to determine the four teams. Playing FCS opponents wouldn't help the cause.
New coach Rich Pitino and his Gophers will open the Big Ten Conference season with none other than the national runner-up Michigan Wolverines. The University of Minnesota men's basketball team's 2014 conference schedule was released Wednesday, and it includes a home opener against Michigan on Jan. 2 before playing Purdue on Jan. 5 at Williams Arena.
Philip Nelson was a gifted quarterback from Mankato West, where he was turning heads in the Big Ten. He committed to Minnesota, and in his sophomore season he's progressing like he did in high school. "It's a lot like high school when it comes to each year you play, it slows down noticeably, and that's where I'm at right now. It's taken a step slower for me, and I think as an offense we all feel the same way," Nelson said.
Touting a strong finish to the previous season is a natural talking point for any college football team. At Minnesota, momentum has been trumpeted all summer. Even though the Gophers lost their bowl game to fall to 6-7 and won only once after Halloween, they showed signs of progress after back-to-back 3-9 finishes.
When the Big Ten grows to 14 teams, the conference's longtime football powers will literally be out of Minnesota's half of the league. But the Gophers didn't get any breaks on the upcoming schedules. In 2014 and 2015, when Maryland and Rutgers are added to the East, teams will only play two out-of-division opponents. Well, Minnesota drew Michigan and Ohio State for those two foes. In 2016, the Big Ten goes to nine-game conference schedules.
Joe Martinson knows exactly who he is. The Minnetonka senior pitcher doesn't step into the batter's box, or take to the field – his focus revolves solely around the mound.
Century Community College left-handed ace Jared Dettman, who is pitching in the Junior College World series, should get drafted for a second time next week. Cedar Rapids Kernels' manager Jake Mauer sees some similarities between first-round prospect Byron Buxton and his brother - the Twins' Joe Mauer. The Timberwolves are concerned about Kevin Love's conditioning since his injury ended his season.
Indiana is the top seed for the Big Ten baseball tournament, and coach Tracy Smith has an honest admission to make.
For the first time in 10 years the Gophers are going to the NCAA softball tournament. The squad finished second in the conference and is en route to Seattle to face Hawaii on Friday night in the Regionals.
Riley Dearring was well known at Minnetonka. But the big schools were not recruiting him hard -- except for Wisconsin. And his skills are a family affair.
While getting to the Final Four is a big deal, winning it is even bigger. But how much do schools directly benefit from winning the championship game?
Rick Pitino is one proud papa. A day after his son Richard Pitino agreed to become the next head coach at Minnesota, Rick Pitino proclaimed the 30-year-old up-and-comer "more than ready" for the challenge.
One of the biggest names in college basketball is coming to Minnesota to coach the Gophers.
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Resurgent technology stocks drove the rebound after a volatile week, while bitcoin also recouped losses.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
There are around 30,000 observers within Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action Minnesota's network, according to the nonprofit. WCCO rode in the backseat with a few of them in Minneapolis to see how they operate.
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt said Friday she's carefully considering options for a compromise with federal immigration agents if it means winding down Operation Metro Surge.
After a contentious start to the investigation into Alex Pretti's death, his family feels true justice starts with both the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension working together.
The city of Minneapolis estimates it's losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue each week — with the Lake Street corridor in particular down $46 million in revenue between December 2025 and last month.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Several sheriff's offices in Minnesota have what's called a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Different models allow departments to help enforce ICE operations and to serve warrants on people inside their jails. Crow Wing County has both.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
The Crow Wing County Jail started accepting ICE detainees in November 2025. The county sheriff, Eric Klang, says that oftentimes they're brought in a few at a time.
Community leaders in St. Cloud, Minnesota, say federal agents have detained at least 10 Somali people there and arrested several more during protests. One man says he was arrested and released, only to be arrested again.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
A jury has found a Wisconsin man guilty of forging threats against President Donald Trump in an attempt to get a witness against him deported.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Hundreds of schools in Minnesota and Wisconsin have closed or shifted to virtual learning on Friday amid dangerous cold.
A Wisconsin man accused of sending the state Supreme Court's chief justice intimidating emails has been sentenced to probation.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations aren't only happening in the Twin Cities. Federal agents are also working in smaller towns, and in some, seeing similar resistance from the community.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
Minnesota's governor spoke out Sunday afternoon following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal immigration enforcement agents. "What's the plan, Donald Trump? What is the plan?" Walz said. "Fear, violence and chaos is what you wanted from us, and you clearly underestimated the people of this state and nation."
A marching protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Minneapolis Friday afternoon happened as a widespread work stoppage across Minnesota, as organizers called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping.
"When you come to our church, you see Muslims, Christians, Catholics, atheists, LGBT community, everybody with one purpose: helping the neighbor, loving your neighbor as yourself," said Pastor Sergio Amezcua
The Minneapolis Lake Street Council alone says they’ve lost $46 million in revenue since December, and are pleading with community members to spend money at local shops and restaurants.
Several Twin Cities small businesses say Operation Metro Surge has cost them millions of dollars in revenue. Now, they're asking for the community’s help.
The Republican chairman of the House Oversight Committee is requesting records related to firms partially owned by the husband of Rep. Ilhan Omar.
For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won't detain them.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Amid ongoing immigration operations in Minnesota, a local company is filling a desperate need for on-demand legal help.
Outside the governor's mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Friday, demonstrators, including many students and teachers, pleaded for Gov. Tim Walz to enact an immediate eviction moratorium to help families impacted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge.
It's part of broader protests calling on the Minneapolis-based retailer to respond more directly to immigration enforcement.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
For Minister JaNae Bates Imari, Co-executive director of ISAIAH — a progressive, multi-faith non-profit — it's an idea that was set into motion weeks ago.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says it "remains committed" to working with the FBI and the Department of Justice on finding a joint path forward in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
Border czar Tom Homan says in the past month, 158 people have been arrested for impeding or assaulting federal officers, with 85 cases already accepted for prosecution.
Lang posted a video to social media of him kicking the newly-installed sculpture that reads "prosecute ICE."
Investigators have no proof that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive but are holding out hope she is "still out there," the sheriff said.
What does community safety look like with thousands of federal agents on Minneapolis streets? WCCO sat down with Todd Barnette, the city's community safety commissioner, to hear how the city is handling the surge of federal agents.
Public health officials say a measles crisis has long been brewing in Minnesota.
Patients in Minnesota are canceling appointments and deferring critical health care needs because of fear of immigration enforcement as the federal crackdown continues, doctors say.
Children's Minnesota announced Tuesday it plans to pause some gender-affirming care for children amid "threats" from the federal government.
Nurses in Minneapolis doubted federal immigration officers' claims about a Mexican immigrant's severe injuries.
Minnesota and Wisconsin are among the 11 states reporting their first measles cases of 2026.
Bad Bunny says he wants to bring his culture to his 2026 Super Bowl halftime show Sunday.
Renowned comedian Dave Chappelle is set to return to the Twin Cities later this month to perform and "show a stand with a community at the center of events that should unite all Americans," show organizers said Monday.
Complete closure of the performing arts center in Washington, D.C., will start on July 4, Mr. Trump said. It's not yet clear how extensive the changes to the building might be.
Music's biggest night returned Sunday with the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Here is how to watch and stream and what to know.
In 1971, Demond Wilson appeared on an episode of "All in the Family," a role that led him to land a lead part in "Sanford and Son."
Saddiq Bay scored 30 points, including two free throws, as the New Orleans Pelicans overcame an 18-point deficit to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-115.
Veteran point guard Mike Conley is expected to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves after being traded twice this week, NBA insider Shams Charania reports.
Minnesota United FC is adding an international star to its roster.
The small town of Warroad, Minnesota, has had an outsized impact on the history of hockey in the U.S. The inclusion of Brock Nelson on the men's Olympic team this year makes eight players from Warroad to go to the Winter Games.
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics are underway after the lighting of the Olympic cauldrons and the Parade of Nations at the opening ceremony.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
The state of Minnesota is vowing to continue the legal battle after it and 12 cities, including St Paul and Minneapolis, were denied a temporary restraining order that would have shut down Operation Metro Surge.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle-down effect it could have on consumers.
While Operation Metro Surge continues in the Twin Cities, Minnesota's farm country is also feeling the impact. The major concerns for farmers and the trickle down effect it could have on consumers.
John Lauritsen shares the story behind a massive snow sculpture that's now become a winter destination.
Northland Arboretum was built half a century ago on top of what was once a city dump. But over time, nature carved its own path with a little help from a Zamboni.
St. James is a smaller town with a main street and a railroad running though. But inside a local building, the main street and the railroad are even smaller.
On Dec. 9, 1965, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" debuted on CBS, and it became an instant classic. Lee Jenkins' home is proof that the show is still a hit six decades later.
Holiday lights are on full display across the state right now, and just south of the Twin Cities you'll find a Christmas light show that's been around for more than half a century.
According to the Police Executive Research Firm, 82% of police departments in the United States equip officers with body cameras. That number comes from 2023, meaning it could be even higher by now.
With the new $2,600 stipend, DHS said the cost of a single self-deportation is $5,100. That's significantly less than the cost to arrest, detain and deport an undocumented immigrant, which DHS said costs more than $18,000.
It might be hard to believe, but it's gotten warmer outside over the past few days. The temperature is creeping above zero during the day, but the wind chill remains dangerously low. So, how is wind chill calculated?
Minnesota gun rights are in the spotlight after U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and killed a lawful gun carrier over the weekend.
It's a saying Minnesotans and Wisconsinites know well: "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." The problem is that even proper clothing might not be enough to withstand the bitter chill headed for the bold north.
Minnesotans got a great view of the northern lights Tuesday night.
A look at the newest addition to the polar bear population at St. Paul, Minnesota's Como Zoo.
From food shelves to school programs, our team is proud to serve where it matters most.
The Minnesota State Fair has unveiled its new food, drinks and vendors for 2025.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
In Minnesota, weather can be all over the place. Here at WCCO, we want to give you what you need to prepare for what's happening next.
Saturday will be breezy in the Twin Cities with a high temperature of 26 degrees, according to NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer.
Saturday will be breezy and cooler, then things will warm back up.
Temps are set to fall into the teens by the evening due to gusty winds from the north.
As of Friday, the girls basketball team at Wayzata is undefeated in the Lake Conference after big wins against Minnetonka and Hopkins. WCCO's Marielle Mohs caught up with the Trojans.
Providence Academy's girls basketball team met Hill-Murray in Maplewood on Friday night. Plus, see highlights from other prep basketball and hockey battles that took place around Minnesota in the Feb. 6, 2026, edition of High School Sports Rally.
NEXT Weather meteorologist Chris Shaffer says the temperature in the Twin Cities could hit 41 degrees on Monday. Temps are expected to be in the 30s throughout the rest of next week.
Residents of Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood returned to their apartment units on Friday following a sudden flood to find loss, damage and community support.
Two Democratic congresspeople who represent parts of Minnesota said the Department of Homeland Security on Friday wouldn't let them into the Whipple federal building to check on conditions where federal officials hold immigrants and others. A third Democratic lawmaker was allowed inside. Laurie Perez reports.